Hi, y'all. Wasn't planning to update today. Maybe you'll be watching, maybe not. But at least you'll have some decent Olitz over here. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think. xo

Olivia was noticing how her relationship with Fitz was blossoming. It was approaching eight months. With the ups and downs, she had observed how normal they had become. This phase of their lives was becoming more domesticated and easy to manage. Tag-teaming for dinner making. Picking up Teddy from school. Sunday brunches. Being lazy on the couch. Having healthy conversations and when they were at odds, knowing how to find a balance to communicate. Random phone calls about what to wear at an important meeting. Wine nights with friends downtown.

Saying "I love you" more.

That was the best part. She was fine with expressing herself with him. They could open up and be vulnerable. It wasn't perfect, but Olivia knew she was in a better place than she had been in years. It took a while, but she knew how this connection was Heaven-sent.

Still with all the progress she had made, it didn't become easier to share her personal business with strangers or Fitz's neighbors, who were still on the nosy side. Especially when her car was parked in the driveway more often than not. More people were noticing them while they were out and about. The handsome lawyer and striking fixer of Washington were now a power couple? Thinking that season would die down, Olivia caught a few emails in her work inbox, requesting invitations, and she knew it would be a glorified photo op.

It was hard to focus sometimes. This was still a new thing and she didn't want to fall under the pressure. The perfect relationship was nonexistent, but they were working hard to make this thing thrive. Olivia didn't want to create a scene and blow up in their faces; she needed something familiar to get by.

With the temperature staying mild due to unusual weather in Washington, Olivia invited her best friend Gabrielle to visit. They had become best friends during their first semester in boarding school. Meeting Gabi was the exact thing Olivia needed as a lonely girl in a new country. Spending nine months together created a bond that could not be broken. As they got older, and pursued various careers, the ladies would always touch base whenever they could. Gabi was Olivia's lifeline, and vice versa, through family issues, intense breakups, and now, new loves.

It all worked out — Gabrielle was visiting in New York for a month, but had three days off, so Olivia invited her to stay with her. She was thrilled to meet Liv's new family.

The ladies met at Union Station. Olivia beamed with pride when her best friend ran up to her. Hugging like something serious. They squealed and rejoiced to be in each other's company.

"You look fantastic."

Gabrielle played it off, beveling her foot, as she struck a pose. "I try."

Olivia waved for a taxi, being able to catch up with her best girl.

"I can't wait to meet him."

"I'm excited for you to meet him."

"Office or apartment?"

"Apartment," the two replied together and laughed.

Olivia was eager to hear all about Gabrielle's new project with businesses in the fashion district.

"You should visit me for NYFW."

"No."

"Why not? I can get passes for you like that," she snapped, rejecting Olivia's rejection. "When was the last time you came up for Fashion Week?"

Olivia smirked; if there was one thing she still loved after all these years, was clothes. As she moved up the ranks in Washington leadership, her sophisticated tastes didn't budge, but her price point did. Givenchy, Louboutin, and the others she desired. But the fashion week was literally a few days away. "Let me think about it. And if I don't, will September suffice?"

"You got it."

Once they settled at Olivia's apartment, the conversation moved from work to their current

relationships and self-discovery. Gabrielle took it upon herself to oversee the discussion.

"Where do you see yourself in a year?"

Olivia scooped her hair, haphazardly twirling the ends around her fingertips, before placing it over her shoulder. "More successful than I have been. I want my business to grow. I want to get more clients nationally, not just here in D.C. I think we're at a point where we can manage accounts and work through crises all over. My team is ready. Although I'm grateful that I'm here and we have a solid base."

"Excellent. Now, what about life with Fitz?"

"Hmm?"

Gabrielle gave that side eye that wasn't malicious, but cutting through the bullshit. "Your future? Do you two have a future together?"

Olivia tied an apron around her waist. "Haven't you asked this before?"

"Yes, and? Any updates, anything to add?"

"I want him in my life. But I'm not rushing things."

"What about him?"

"What about him?"

"Have you noticed anything?"

"He gets me," Olivia replied. "I don't know how, but he understands me. I've never been connected to a anyone like this in my life."

"Has he talked about moving in together?"

"Look," she dug into her purse, then dangled the key to Fitz's house. "Is this a sign? I have a toothbrush in his bathroom; my favorite teas are in the kitchen, with some articles of clothing and extra lingerie in my drawer."

Gabrielle screeched.

"That's a start. But has he hinted at a more permanent solution?"

In a rush, Olivia asked, "Why does it have to be his place? He could always move to my apartment. My place is closer to both of our offices. He's in Chevy Chase. It's all paid for. It's easy."

"But you only have one room? Teddy?"

Olivia twisted her lips. Sometimes she would forget about sweet Teddy. Not in a way to remove him from their situation, but it sometimes became an afterthought. Teddy would grow, get taller, and sleeping in the master or the couch, just wouldn't work anymore. "I don't know. I'm fine with what we're doing. He is welcomed to stay at my place whenever he can, and vice versa. It does feel weird when we're not together at night. I think it may get a little harder when Teddy's schedule. He's becoming more sociable."

"Wait a minute, sister girl. You didn't tell me that when you were itching to get back into his loving, strong, and sexy as fuck arms!"

"Shut up." Olivia chuckled, but then turned around. "Wait. When did you see his arms?"

Gabrielle scoffed, nearly shoving her cell phone into Olivia's face. "Have you googled him? All they have are model-esque pictures. Your boyfriend is a local celebrity, just in case you didn't notice or realize."

Olivia rolled her eyes, ignoring her best friend's teasing. "I try to ignore that. I just want to love Fitz. Not Mr. D.C."

"But seriously. Until Christmas, his whereabouts were featured in these local magazines. People want to know what he's up to. Out of the lawyers in D.C., Fitz happens to be the one."

"Alright, just get ready. The guys are coming soon and I need to have dinner on the table."

"Are you making anything?"

"Quiche florentine. I set up the ingredients before I met you."

"Shut up! You're cooking now," Gabrielle questioned, leaning back dramatically. "This is a revelation! Chef Carolyn in the hi-zouse!"

Olivia almost lifted her middle finger, but couldn't be mad because the truth was obvious. It wasn't a priority to make homemade dishes, even when she moved on her own, with the fast pace of her career, taking time to create a meal wasn't always the easy option. "I want to do better with the food, especially when Teddy visits. He's a growing boy and I don't want to feed him takeout all the time. He does enjoys it when he comes over. It's a treat for him. I just want to do something different for all three of you."

An hour later, the Grants arrived.

"Hey."

Fitz kissed Olivia quickly, "Good evening."

"Hi, Livia!"

A lovely hug followed, before Teddy walked into the living room with confidence, ready to plop on the couch, when he noticed Gabrielle. He paused, looking back at his father to receive permission to approach, then took one step closer.

"Hi. I'm Teddy. Who are you?"

With a smile, she answered, "My name is Gabrielle. I'm Olivia's best friend."

Teddy slowly nodded, and grinned cautiously. "Hi. Nice to meet you, Gabrielle. I'm working on being brave when I meet people. I get shy. But I talk when my Daddy says it's okay to talk to people I don't know."

Gabrielle marveled at the boy's candor. "That's wise, Teddy. Your dad is smart. Good job for being brave."

"Hi, I'm Fitz."

"It is wonderful to finally meet you."

Olivia returned to the kitchen to mix a salad and stir the noodles she thought would a nice combination to the quiche. It was baking wonderfully, the heat creating a darker crust that she wanted. As she continued working, she heard Gabrielle and Fitz discussing random things, life in D.C., and adding more tidbits about the beloved Teddy. Her favorite people had finally met and they appeared to gel nicely.

"Did you make quiche?"

Olivia glanced over her shoulder to find Fitz leaning against the doorway, rocking his signature dress shirt and slacks. "Yes," she began to cut the pieces. "I decided to make a one-piece dish. Simple ingredients. Along with pasta and salad."

"My Livvie."

Olivia smirked as Fitz wrapped his arms around her waist. Swaying to the inner tune in their heads, they synced once again. She took a deep breath, leaning her head back so she could mold into his embrace. His lips touching her temple, squeezing her tighter, sneaking his hand underneath her sweater.

"Oh, no. We can't be fooling around before dinner. Not with guests."

"Nothing is happening," he said.

That did not convince her. As she pulled away, giving him a wink, Fitz whined, "Finnneeee…"

The notion of going overboard for Valentine's Day usually made Olivia annoyed. It was an event she chose to ignore, because of previous lackluster efforts from her ex-boyfriends. But she knew it could be a tad different with the Grant boys. Searching online and saving links from her favorite lifestyle bloggers, Olivia organized a few ideas that would be memorable for her boys. A cute basket full of chocolate, new markers and a notebook, as well as a red plush bear, for Teddy. For Fitz, she ordered a basket with toiletries, and a gift card to his favorite clothing store, Brooks Brothers. She also bought a négligée from La Perla, as a gift for herself and him.

Abby peeked inside, "I know you don't celebrate, Liv, but there's a special delivery out here for you for you."

Olivia rose from her seat, walking towards the main hallway. Her jaw dropped as she viewed eight dozen roses covering the elongated coffee table and parts of the floor.

Rushing back to her office, she dialed the offending party.

"Fitzgerald Grant…"

"Well, happy Valentine's Day to you, my sweet. I thought I'd help you erase those bad memories. And you know it's been eight months."

Snapping a picture, Olivia shared with Gabrielle.

This is incredible. When did I hit the jackpot?

The little things that excited her. It was never like this. She wondered how she was going through life and a relationship without this kind of heartfelt affection.

A few hours later, she was at her desk, reviewing an update from Quinn and Harrison. Their newest client - a local politician - needed a moral boost to win over constituents. Since everyone else was in a lovey-dovey mood, they were able to leave early.

A message popped on her screen.

Are you still at work?

Yes, she answered.

Fitz didn't respond in that lighting fast speed she was used to getting.

Is everything alright?

She heard the door open. Furrowing her brow, but still not sure who was still at the office, she yelled, "Abby, please tell whoever that is to come back later! We're done for the day."

"You want me to go?"

"Fitz!"

Olivia always felt that shock of electricity go through her whenever he was around. Popping out of her seat, she greeted Fitz with a luscious kiss and hug.

"Hello there."

Olivia scooted back, admiring her handsome boyfriend.

"It is four o'clock. I thought you were going to be done by now."

"Just finishing a report."

"Well, you should hurry that up or finish it tomorrow," he replied, taking her hand.

Olivia's eyebrows lifted, "A little excited, are we?"

Fitz hummed, grinning. "How about you sit down, over there."

He was pointing towards the conference room.

"The table?"

"Yeah." Fitz loosened his tie, and slowly rolling up his sleeves. Olivia halted him, wagging her finger.

"Absolutely not. My people work there. I'm not jeopardizing anything."

Fitz rocked on his heels. "Alright," he answered, surveying more of the space. "What about that chair? Mmhmm. I think we can be over there and not get in trouble."

Olivia checked all the rooms in the office. Everyone had left, even Huck, who never left early.

Nodding slowly, giving Fitz the look, she decided to play along. "I'll talk to my boss and maybe she will give me a break. Since it is Valentine's Day. and we can't disappoint anyone."

"That's more like it," Fitz replied, his voice extra husky.

Olivia did not regret the decision she made, as Fitz worked his way from the bottom up, pleasuring her thoroughly, reminding her that he was all about taking good care of her.

"Happy birthday to MEEEEE!"

Olivia and Fitz were tucked under the blankets, using their bodies to stay warm, slowly waking up, as they heard the man of the hour shouting, getting closer to the bedroom door.

"Is he going to come in," she mumbled against his shoulder, still in a daze from their late night of passion, and early morning romp.

"I don't know. Maybe. We've talked many times about not interrupting when the door is closed."

Fitz kissed Olivia's temple, while bringing her close. The quiet moments at the start of the day were definitely a highlight.

The tiny fist of power banged against the door.

"Daddy! Are you awake?"

Then the knob jiggled. Olivia gasped, clutching the blanket.

"Did you lock the door?"

Fitz thought for a second, then whispered, "No. Was I supposed to?"

"We are naked," Olivia sunk further in the covers, already embarrassed, "I don't want Teddy seeing us like this!"

Trying to make light of the potential awkwardness come, Fitz joked, "It's not my fault my girlfriend is fucking sexy and I want her to know that again."

"Fitzgerald!"

Olivia playfully smacked his shoulder, figuring out a solution. She reached down for his dress shirt, wrapping it around herself and scrambling the buttons together, before Teddy would barge in. Knowing how he was, he wouldn't care about boundaries, and just make his presence known. Fitz scrambled to find something as well. A pair of boxers to slip on. Their reflexes were fast enough right as the door jiggled more.

"Daddy!"

"Yes, son?"

"May I come in?"

Fitz received the positive nod from Olivia.

"Okay."

"I'm finally five! It's my birthday, it's my birthday!"

Hair matching his father's, a little wavy and every which-a-way, a jovial Teddy marched towards the bed. Fitz sat up, all smiles.

"Why yes it is, Teddy Boy. Come over here so we can get our birthday hugs!"

Cheering, the birthday boy climbed on Fitz's side, squeezing him very tightly. Fitz kissed his cheeks and forehead.

"Happy birthday, my sweet Theodore."

"Hi, Daddy. I love you."

"I love you more."

"Happy birthday, baby," Olivia sweetly greeted, arms open for her favorite guy. Teddy wiggled out of Fitz's embrace and hugged her.

"Thank you, Livia! I'm so glad you're here this morning."

Olivia raised her eyebrow at Fitz, at the choice words.

"Five years old, huh? What are you going to do today?"

Teddy sang, "I have school today! We're bringing cupcakes for snacktime. Then, Daddy's going to take me out to dinner. Are you coming?"

Hesitating, she answered, "Mayyybbeee."

"Daddy! Didn't you invite Livia," Teddy asked, eyes wide with alarm.

Fitz said, "Of course I did! I don't know if she gave me a response."

The Grant boys gave Olivia the same pleading look. Olivia tickled Teddy, "You know I will be there! Where are we going?"

Carmine's - a new favorite - was Teddy's choice, but knew he could only go during special occasions, since it was extremely hard to get a reservation.

"Okay, Mister Grant, I think it's time to get ready for school."

"Alrighty!" Teddy jumped off the bed, running off to his room.

"That was a close one."

Olivia snuggled into Fitz again, allowing his hands to lift the shirt he owned and touch her skin.

"You're warm."

"I like this."

"I should take a shower."

"Want to share?"

Attempting to resist, she said, "Oh, no. Then I will be late."

Olivia kissed him, sucking on his bottom lip. Then sashayed to the bathroom. When she returned, Fitz was still lying down, arms behind his head. Just chilling.

"What are you up to?"

"Just thinking about the day I met Teddy. How much of shitshow I was. I couldn't believe that we made that baby. He's my flesh and blood. When he looked at me for the first time. I cried, Liv. I can't even describe that kind of joy. We went through so much. I don't even know how we survived. Then you came along, Livvie. Do you know how life has changed since you two came into my life?"

Fitz tugged on her arm, pulling her back down.

"Thank you. For being willing to be with me. You didn't have to."

Olivia shook her head; "Stop that. I think you're amazing. I'm so happy. I love you, Fitz."

"I guess I should get up and ready."

Fitz tenderly kissed Olivia, who in turn, squeezed his biceps. "I love you."

She couldn't help but appreciate the view of Fitz lowering his boxers and strutting to the bathroom.

"Will you be able to stop by the school?"

"Mmhmm."

Fitz came back into view. "Okay, I ordered cupcakes from the bakery up the street, and I'll bring them in from work. I think it would be cool if both of us were there. That's if you have time."

Olivia leaned back against the backboard, staring in delight, as he continued to explain his game plan for the day. Finalizing the menu for Saturday's party, making sure the RSVP list was settled. It amazed her how much of a good father he was to Teddy. Just so enthusiastic and organized. Wanting to do the best for his boy. Doing all of this while standing in the doorway, showing off his goods.

"And another thing…"

"Mmm, baby?"

Fitz's ass was just… delectable.

"Livvie."

"Yeah?"

"Did you catch that?"

"When did you get this sexy?"

Olivia bit her lip; already thinking about how they would spend their evening, because she was going to stay over at the house again.

Fitz glanced over. "I don't know what you're talking about. My ass has looked the same for years."

Removing the scarf off her head, allowing her loose curls to breathe, she commented, "Recently, you've been looking extra yummy. I'm liking what I see."

"And you didn't before?"

Olivia shook her head. "I wouldn't be sitting on your bed if I wasn't attracted to you and your handsome self. You just look extra sexy."

Fitz laughed; "Maybe because we've been hanging out more often. Our schedules are meshing better."

"That could be it."

Once again, he disappeared. Olivia tried to control herself from wanting to pounce on him.

"Liv?"

"Yeah?"

Fitz smirked; "If you're going to keep staring at me, you might want to join me in this shower next time."

"Teddy, your Mom is on the line."

"Hi, Mom. Thank you!"

Olivia sat quietly, watching Teddy talk to his mother. Their phone calls had been more pleasant since his trip.

"Yeah, Daddy and Livia are going to take me out to dinner. And yeah, I did open my gift from you. I'm going to have it on my bed every night. Thank you! Love you too. Okay. Bye."

Fitz took the phone, waited for Mellie to respond, but no answer.

"She hung up."

Teddy loved going out at night. He felt like a big kid.

Fitz found an adorable outfit - dress shirt with jeans and new sneakers, underneath his J. Crew peacoat.

As they sat down, ready to celebrate, Olivia remembered that fateful day in the summer. She was nervous, uneasy, ready to cuss out her friends for pulling such a stunt. But thankfully, fate worked on her mind and heart.

They shared pizza, pasta, and hearty meatballs.

Olivia, wearing a bold red lip that evening, to go along with her black dress, motioned to Fitz and Teddy, "Let me take a picture of you two, for this wonderful occasion."

As if they were twins, the Grants leaned in towards each other, giving Olivia their crooked smiles.

The server approached and kindly asked ,"Would you like me to take a picture for all of you."

"Okay! Please?"

Olivia couldn't recall when a group shot was taken, but she knew it would be memorable. After they thanked the server, Olivia reviewed the picture and let Teddy see.

"Are you going to put this on your facebook, Daddy?"

Fitz smirked, "Yeah, buddy."

An hour later, when they were all stuffed, the three walked to the car.

"Best birthday ever and I still have a party on Saturday! Hashtag blessed!"

Fitz and Olivia looked at each other, then at Teddy. "Where did you get that from?"

"The older kids at school. I think it was a fun day and everyone said it at sa-ssembly." Teddy stood up and exclaimed, while tapping his fingers together, then opening up his arms, like in praise. "Hashtag blessed!"

Saturday arrived and the trio was ready to celebrate Teddy's fifth birthday!

In true fun fashion, he asked for an ice skating party. It all started when Mellie took him to a rink during his trip in North Carolina, and the experience was so memorable, Teddy constantly reminded Fitz how he wanted to go back. Pretending to glide in the house, using his good school socks.

It only took a few times for Fitz to catch his son's drift. There was the rink in Cabin John, only twenty minutes away from the house. He was able to reserve the space easily; it worked out since they wouldn't have to do any extra clean up once they returned home.

Teddy invited six classmates and eight neighbors to the party. A whole crew of 5-8 years old would be an event. Olivia was more than willing to chaperone and take pictures; she couldn't let Fitz do this all alone.

Inside the rink was frigid. Thankfully, she donned her trusty insulated coat, a skull cap, and sensible scarf, over her long-sleeved shirt and jeans. Fitz looked the like cool dad, wearing a sweater and jeans, with his puffer jacket nearby.

"Hi Moira and Justin! Brennan! John Paul! Kendrick! Hi, Libby! Taylor, over here! Daddy, Livia, they all came!"

Teddy waved to his friends, as they entered the facility. Some, he even gave hugs to, just so ecstatic to have everyone he loved there.

"Thanks for having them, Olivia and Fitz," one mom, Julia, greeted. "They're going to have so much fun!"

The next two hours were full of vibrant giggles, stuffing faces with pizza and cupcakes, and numerous pairs of feet chugging towards the ice.

Fitz hired one of the instructors to share some tips on basic skating, as well as learning to spin and move quickly. The kids had a great time.

"Who's that?"

Teddy smiled at one friend, and pointed, "This is my Livia!"

"Livia?"

"Well," he commented, dragging out his reply, "Her real name is Olivia, but I call her Livia, because I didn't know how to say her name, and now it's stuck, and she doesn't get upset. Sooo...yeah!"

A few of the parents stayed to watch on the bench, waving back to their kids as they slowly or quickly skated around.

There were limited falls. Teddy was going a little too fast and bumped into someone else. He fell back on his bottom, and Olivia was dropping everything to get to him. Whimpering a little, he shook it off, and got up.

"I'm okay, Livia. My booty is sore but I'm going to keep skating!"

She kissed his wet cheeks. "That's my boy!"

Fitz and Olivia enjoyed watching Teddy have fun and enjoy himself with his friends. After a fifteen minute break, everyone had a fresh wind and was ready to skate.

"Want to join me, Miss Pope?"

Olivia winked at her man, who had a sparkle in his eye. "Absolutely."

Hand in hand, they strolled around. Fitz tried to show off but Olivia suggested to not do too much because she wouldn't able to carry him off the ice.

One of the parents was able to get a picture of the three of them holding hands — Teddy in the middle. They all looked so happy.

"Alright, everybody, say cheese!"

"Cheeeseeee!"

The group took a few more shots - happy and extra silly. Parents were start to arrive for pick up. Olivia was able to meet some of the adults, having a good conversation. To her surprise, no drama occurred or wandering eyes towards Fitz.

Teddy skipped towards the car, shouting, "Best birthday ever! Best birthday ever! Thank you, Livia! Thank you, Daddy! You two are awwwwweeesssome!"

His energy was short lived. After Fitz brought in the last set of presents in the house, Teddy was on the couch, leg hanging off the cushion, fast asleep.

Olivia was sitting at the kitchen bar. "That was fun."

"Absolutely."

"My calves are incredibly sore," she massaged her legs, "I need to take a bath when I get home."

"Or you could always take a bath here."

Fitz had that mischief Olivia couldn't resist.

"You sneaky man. You're making an offer I cannot refuse, Mr. Grant."

Olivia watched Fitz strut over. "Let me get this party animal ready for bed and I'll draw your bath, my lady," he replied, leaning down to kiss her full lips. "Thank you for helping out. It meant the world to me."

Olivia squeezed his scruffy cheek before returning a smooch. "This was the best. Being with you and Teddy. I wouldn't have missed this. I can't imagine not having you two in my life."

As she slowly walked up the steps, with a glass of wine in her hand, she heard Fitz call out for her.

"Yeah, honey?"

"Do you want to move here?"

It could have been the stress on her legs, standing on them all day, wobbly, and unstable, but Olivia almost fainted when the question was asked. Miraculously the wine didn't spill and her hand gripped the bannister, hoping the shock wouldn't take her down.

"Livvie?"